When we talk about wellbeing, it’s easy to think of it as simply “being happy.” But wellbeing is a much broader concept than moment-to-moment happiness.
Happiness is part of it, yes, but true wellbeing also includes how satisfied we are with life as a whole, our sense of purpose, and how much control we feel we have over our own path.
What makes wellbeing so powerful is its universality. No matter where you are in the world, whatever your background or personal circumstances, we all intuitively understand its value.
And importantly, wellbeing isn’t one-dimensional. It spans across several areas of life:
Physical – the choices we make about food, movement, and health.
Mental – how we think, feel, and cope with life’s challenges.
Social – our sense of belonging, connection, and inclusion.
Spiritual – being connected with ourselves, nature, or something greater.
Intellectual – expanding our knowledge and skills to live fully.
Economic – feeling secure and able to meet our basic needs.
Each of these plays a role, and when one is out of balance, it impacts the others.
So how do we nurture wellbeing in our daily lives? A simple framework is the Five Ways to Wellbeing:
- Connect – talk and listen to others, and live in the moment.
- Be active – do what you can and enjoy what you do.
- Take notice – appreciate the small things that bring joy.
- Keep learning – embrace new experiences and opportunities.
- Give – offer your time, your words, and your presence.
The big picture: wellbeing isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s the foundation for how we live, work, and thrive, as individuals, teams, and communities.
Which of these practices resonates most with you right now?
Many private medical insurance providers offer health and wellbeing calendars to help employers and employees engage in wellbeing, showing insurers aren’t just there to pay claims but can offer day to day support. Get in touch with us to find out more.
